ACE25: Michigan Credit Union Leaders Sound a Call to Advocate Loud, Serve Bold, Grow Strong
The energy was electric Thursday morning as attendees packed the main ballroom for ACE25’s Center Stage kickoff. MCUL President/CEO Patty Corkery opened the session with a powerful reminder of the size and strength of the Michigan credit union community present at the conference: more than 1,300 attendees this year, including 170 young professionals from the YP Leadership Summit.
“There’s a lot happening,” Corkery said, “but I want you to take a moment to think about what you do.” She encouraged the crowd to reflect on the wide range of roles represented in the room — from front line to C-suite — and the real impact of helping members navigate financial uncertainty. “Take a moment and give yourself a round of applause.”
She also celebrated the success of the previous evening’s Corks for a Cause fundraiser. “During last night’s Corks for a Cause, you all helped raise an incredible $40,770 for the Michigan Credit Union Foundation,” she said. “Thank you for your amazing support — now let’s keep the momentum going at tonight’s Live Auction!”
Corkery highlighted several key milestones that showcased the movement’s collective impact. From the 1,700 Smart Money Kids Read books donated to libraries, to the nearly $90,000 raised for victims of the Northern Michigan ice storm, her message was clear: “We do all of these things — we make a difference — when we act together.”
Understanding Today’s Members
Corkery unveiled new insights from the 2025 MCUL Consumer Awareness Survey, which focused on the financial behaviors and needs of multicultural consumers across Michigan. The data painted a sobering picture: members—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are feeling the weight of debt, housing costs, and rising everyday expenses.
“These are not future members,” she said. “These are today’s members, and they need us to show up differently.” She urged credit unions to meet these needs by delivering trust, simplicity and better digital experiences.
While emphasizing that Michigan credit unions remain financially strong, Corkery also pointed out a concerning trend: membership growth in the state is falling behind national averages. “If we aren’t bringing in the next generation of members,” she said, “we risk becoming less relevant year over year.”
Addressing industry consolidation, she acknowledged that credit unions are growing in size as the number of institutions declines. But she emphasized the importance of preserving smaller institutions: “Small-asset-size credit unions are the spirit of our movement, and we need to protect them.”
Board Chair Perspective
MCUL Board Chair and Public Service Credit Union CEO Dean Trudeau joined Corkery on stage for a fireside Q&A. Reflecting on the strength of Michigan’s credit union community, he said, “Credit unions in Michigan are united and mission-driven. Whether we’re navigating economic shifts or fighting off regulatory threats, our strength is in showing up together.”
Corkery and Trudeau shared impressive 2024 PAC engagement totals — nearly $250,000 for the federal PAC, $234,000 for the state PAC and $215,000 for A Stronger Financial Michigan. “It allows us to have a voice,” Trudeau said of advocacy fundraising. “And if every credit union stresses this, we will have an even stronger voice.”
He emphasized the power of in-person advocacy, especially during Hike the Hill trips. “Lawmakers remember who showed up — not just who sent an email,” he said.
He shared an experience with a lawmaker who had a misunderstanding about credit unions acquiring banks. Trudeau explained that he was able to help reframe the conversation, sharing how those banks were leaving communities, and credit unions were stepping in to maintain access to financial services.
“If I wasn’t there, making time to go speak with lawmakers, I wouldn’t have had that opportunity to share what we do and educate that lawmaker.”
Advocacy Outlook with Kieran Marion
Next, Corkery welcomed MCUL EVP of Advocacy Kieran Marion to the stage for a strategic discussion about the current political landscape and what’s coming next.
With shifts in leadership at the federal level — including at the NCUA — and a split government in Michigan, Marion emphasized the need for continued vigilance. He referenced the ongoing work around the League’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” and highlighted that “we shared over 25,000 direct messages to Congress in favor of credit unions’ not-for-profit tax status.”
He added, “The tax threat may be quiet right now, but we’re not declaring victory. We’re holding the line. Stay engaged.”
Marion walked through several policy concerns on the horizon, including interchange legislation, regulatory overreach and executive decisions that could impact overdraft protections, fee structures and data security.
He praised credit unions across Michigan for their ongoing engagement. “From PAC contributions to local lawmaker visits, your involvement has helped stop damaging proposals before they gain traction,” he said.
Marion also urged the crowd to bring more young professionals into the fold. “This work isn’t just for CEOs; it’s for everyone in our movement. Advocacy is a habit, not a headline,” he said.
He closed with a message to carry forward: “It’s a big time for credit unions — there’s a lot at stake right now. My biggest mantra for you is: ‘Keep showing up.’”
A Call to Action
Wrapping up the session, Corkery left the crowd with a clear and heartfelt charge. “I know I’m preaching to the choir, but please keep advocacy top of mind,” she said. “Advocacy isn’t about checking a box. It’s about making sure our members—current and future—have someone in their corner.”
Referencing earlier stats and programs like the CDFI Fund, she reminded the audience, “Things like the CDFI Fund don’t come because we’re quiet. They happen because we’re loud.”
“We all know we need to grow — you saw the numbers I shared earlier. Let’s grow stronger. Let’s grow louder.” With that, she closed with the rallying cry that anchored the day: “Advocate loud. Serve bold. Grow strong.”
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